Sat Feb 01 12:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Linz Open Semifinals Set: Tauson Favored, Sakkari a Slight Edge

**Linz, Austria** – The WTA 500 Linz Open is set for its semifinals, featuring intriguing matchups with contrasting storylines. Clara Tauson, riding a wave of recent success, is the bookies’ favorite against Anna Blinkova, while Maria Sakkari holds a slight edge over Dayana Yastremska.

Tauson, winner of the Auckland title earlier this season and a strong challenger to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open, has won four of her last five matches. In Linz, she’s impressively dispatched both Kalinina and Cirstea in straight sets. Blinkova, meanwhile, has secured three wins in her last five matches, including an upset victory over Elina Svitolina in the second round – her best result in six appearances at the Linz Open.

The other semifinal pits Sakkari against Yastremska. Sakkari, despite losing three of her last five matches, demonstrated impressive form in her second-round win over Tomova. This is a rematch of their 2024 Miami encounter, where Sakkari emerged victorious. Yastremska, also with four wins from her last five matches, has shown resilience, overcoming a slow start to defeat Ruzic in straight sets in the second round.

Both matches promise exciting tennis. While the bookmakers favor Tauson and Sakkari to win, the underdogs have shown the capacity to upset the odds, making for compelling viewing. The semifinals are scheduled for February 1st.

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